Join a growing global community of couple therapists who have experienced the power of PACT.

In PACT Level 1 Online Training, you will learn the fundamentals of the PACT methodology and how to lead even your most challenging couples toward secure-functioning relationships.

Based on a unique integration of the latest research in neuroscience, attachment theory, and the biology of human arousal, you’ll discover PACT’s dynamic, practical, and effective mind-body approach to couple therapy.

There’s no need to feel overwhelmed working with couples! You can enjoy your work with couples knowing the PACT methodology is solidly grounded in science and research and also allows you the flexibility to get creative in the therapy room. Gain confidence knowing how and when to work more deeply with difficult couples.

PACT Level 1 is the foundational course in the PACT training program. It teaches you the underlying principles and solid skills that PACT is known for. In this training, you’ll learn the critical building blocks for advanced study and becoming a successful PACT therapist.

While a foundational course, PACT Level 1 is still a rigorous training program. You will have a number of reading assignments and videos to watch even before the first meeting, and you will have assignments between course modules. These required assignments allow you to clarify your understanding of PACT principles and participate more meaningfully while in the live training with instructors and colleagues.

PACT is an experiential model of therapy. As a PACT therapist, you must bring your whole self into the therapy room — face, mind, body, voice. When learning PACT, you must do the same in class — as an engaged, active participant. 

PACT Level 1 is a highly participatory training. Students get the most out of the training when they engage with their peers and colleagues. The focus and value of the live training is in the practice of new skills and receipt of constructive, respectful feedback. 

PACT training encompasses demonstrations, small group processing, large group processing, and role playing, in which you will play the role of therapist as well as member of a couple. Participation in these exercises is required, and video cameras must be on throughout the training. 

We understand everyone is different. However, only those who are willing to be active learners and participate in the exercises should register for the training. For example, if you recognize that you are someone who is generally reticent to participate and prefers to sit back and watch activities rather than participate in them, this program will not be a good fit. Your active practice and participation are requirements to pass this course of study.

PACT Level 1 training includes a comprehensive training manual and an extensive library of videos that accompany each module. Take advantage of these resources before, during, and after training.

When you register, you gain access to course materials so you can watch the videos in advance and fully prepare for the live training. This will help you remain focused and on-topic so you are ready to engage with the material — and your colleagues in class — and remember what you learn. Watching the videos at your own pace also helps cut down on screen fatigue.

As a student, you’ll have access to PACT Training Assistants and opportunities in between modules to ask questions and get answers to real-life issues. You’ll also have access to the PACT video library for an entire  year. That way you can go back and watch any video even after the training, especially if you want to review a specific concept or see an intervention in action again.

Each PACT instructor brings years of experience teaching PACT principles and skills, along with a passion for supporting clinicians and helping couples thrive. PACT Level 1 training is taught by:

• Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT
• Tracey Boldemann-Tatkin, PhD
• Hans Stahlschmidt, PhD
• Patricia Hart, PhD

PACT training encompasses demonstrations, small group processing, large group processing, and role playing.This year we are capping the class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual attention and more time to practice new skills. Smaller classes also mean seats are limited, so sign up early to ensure your spot!

We are also adding one half hour to each of the clinical training sessions. This new structure will allow longer breaks for students in an effort to support learning and retention of information.  

2024 PACT Foundations Level 1 Days/Times

Join PACT Level 1 Online Training

The PACT Institute offers a 20% discount for those who repeat Level 1. Please email us at [email protected] for details.

Train with your colleagues! We are offering a 15% discount for groups of 5 or more. Email [email protected] for details

When you successfully complete Level 1 training, you can identify yourself as a PACT Level 1 clinician/therapist, indicating a strong foundation in PACT skills and principles.

To receive a status of PACT Level 1, along with a certificate of completion, and be eligible to move on to the next level of PACT training, students must attend training with their camera on and fully participate in all live training sessions and breakout room practices. Students must also complete all coursework in their student portal, including training videos and module quizzes.

To receive CE credit for PACT Level 1 training, students must attend all modules with their camera on and fully participate in all live training sessions and breakout room practices. Students must also complete all module quizzes in their student portal.

You may apply for CE credits for the full training only. As per accreditation board requirements, PACT is unable to offer partial CE credits for partial completion of the training.

CE Information

Level 1 training is sponsored by the PACT Institute (ACEP #6641, PCE #5551, and SW CPE #0104) for 40 continuing education hours.  

New York Social Workers: PACT Institute SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0104.

New York Social Workers & Mental Health Practitioners: PACT Institute, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0114.

Psychologists: The PACT Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.The PACT Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, Licensed Educational Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and Certified Counselors: 

Module 1

1. Distinguish between the three PACT domains.
2. Explain and practice the principles of therapist self-regulation.
3. Apply the principles and employ the skills for the basic PACT interviewing process.
4. Describe and formulate the elements of the therapeutic frame.
5. Differentiate between top-down and bottom-up interventions.
6. Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for going down the middle.
7. Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for cross-commenting. 
8. Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for cross-questioning.

Module 2

1. Describe the significance of attachment to couple therapy.
2. Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills of attachment assessment.
3. Construct the secure/insecure continuum.
4. Contrast the three different attachment styles and assess partners’ attachment styles.
5. Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for attachment intervention.
6. Appraise visual and auditory recognitions for hypo arousal.
7. Appraise visual and auditory recognitions for hyper arousal.
8. Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills of arousal regulation assessment.
9. Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for arousal regulation intervention.
10. Assess arousal bias and attachment type.

Module 3

1. Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for bending metal.
2. Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for collaborative narratives.
3. Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for corralling questions.
4. Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for management of thirds.
5. Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for declarations of commitment.
6. Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for Shared Principles of Governance.
7. Construct, justify, and appraise case conceptualization. 
8. Employ and support therapeutic alliance.

Module 4

1. Identify the parts of the brain central to social-emotional functioning.
2. Describe and assess the development of the social brain.
3. Describe and assess the neuroendocrine system.
4. Apply the principles and demonstrate the skills for staging scenes.
5. Appraise acting out couples and demonstrate the skills for working with these couples.
6. Evaluate micro-expressions and explain the importance of tracking micro-expressions. 
7. Evaluate micro-movements and explain the importance of tracking micro-movements. 
8. Integrate the interventions learned during this module. 

Level 1 Terms of Service.